Biscochitos Cookie Recipe

The biscochito is the state cookie of New Mexico. It is a crisp butter cookie flavored with sugar, cinnamon, and anise. They are similar to shortbread or butter cookies. The dough is rolled thin and is often cut into stars or circle shapes, symbolizing the moon.

Here is our favorite biscochitos recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups lard (do not substitute)
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons anise seeds
• Cooking sherry (as needed)
• 6 parts white sugar to 1 part cinnamon

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Cream the lard, sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl until fluffy
• Mix flour, baking powder, salt and anise seeds in a medium mixing bowl
• Gradually mix in the lard mixture while adding small amounts of sherry to keep the dough moist (but dry enough to roll)
• Divide the dough into quarters and roll to 1/4 thickness
• Cut with cookie cutter and place on greased (or non-stick) cookie sheet
• Liberally sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture on top
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottom of the cookie starts to brown lightly

More New Mexican Foods

Want to learn more about popular food dishes in New Mexico? Check out this list of must-try foods.